Zenith Bank Plc has released its unaudited financial statements for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, showing a pre-tax profit of N625.629 billion. The figure represents a 13.95 percent decline year-on-year, compared to the N726.996 billion reported in the same period of 2024.
Profit after tax also slipped, dropping 7.93 percent to N532.180 billion, down from N577.971 billion posted in H1 2024. The bank attributed the softer earnings to a mix of tighter monetary conditions and higher operating expenses in the review period.
Dividend increase despite lower profits
In spite of the dip in earnings, the board of directors approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, marking a 25 percent increase from the N1.00 per share declared in the first half of 2024. The move signals the bank’s confidence in its underlying financial strength and its commitment to rewarding shareholders.
Outlook and market context
Analysts note that while Zenith Bank’s year-on-year profit decline reflects broader headwinds facing Nigeria’s banking sector—including foreign exchange volatility, elevated inflation, and regulatory pressures—the lender has maintained solid capital buffers and resilient income streams.
The increase in interim dividend is expected to reassure investors and may help sustain market confidence in the bank’s long-term growth trajectory.
Zenith Bank remains one of Nigeria’s most profitable financial institutions and a key player in the nation’s banking industry, with a strong balance sheet and extensive regional presence.
